Top movers among S&P 500 companies
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (INDEXSP:.INX) turned red for the first time in 2013, trimming a noteworthy gain it marked on the first trading day of the New Year. Only two of all 10 groups in the S&P 500 managed to end in positive territory. Stocks in Healthcare and Consumer Discretionary sectors gained while Utilities sector ended with no change on Thursday.
In corporate news, First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR) was one of top gainers after the solar power specialist was upgraded to sell from strong sell by S&P Capital IQ and a big upward move by another big player in the industry.
Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) closed about 5% higher on Thursday after BMO Nesbitt Burns analyst Edward Williams predicted that the online video streaming company will continue to lead in the industry by a wide margin for the foreseeable future.
Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) extended rally yesterday a day after analysts at Barclays Capital reaffirmed their overweight rating on the stock.
Rowan Companies PLC (NYSE:RDC) continues to move higher after Zacks maintained their neutral rating on the stock.
Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL) marked new high after unveiling a $700M deal to acquire Skippy Peanut Butter Brand.
The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX) added more than 3% after Thomson Reuters’ same-store-sales index advanced 4.5% for December, beating the 3.3% growth expected, as nearly two-thirds of the companies tracked topped average estimates with December results.
Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE:BTU) gained after the company was believed to remain the top pick in coal.
On the flip side, Family Dollar Stores, Inc. (NYSE:FDO) lost the most among S&P 500 companies after disappointing investors with weak earnings release.
Limited Brands, Inc. (NYSE:LTD) was another top loser after disclosing a same-store sales gain of 3% for December, down from 4.5% expected.
GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME) dropped 5% after Sony Corporation (NYSE:SNE) filed an application for a patent for technology that could block used games.
UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:UNH) fell 4.7% after Deutsche Bank downgraded shares of UNH to “Hold”.
Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) went down after Attorney General Kamala D. Harris sued the company over environmental violations.
J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE:JCP) traded lower on Thursday after Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M) request to stop Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. from executing a sales deal with J.C. Penney Co. is set to go to trial Feb. 19.
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